Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Estero, FL

I am an experienced Clinical Social Worker and Registered Yoga Teacher. My approach is down to earth, respectful, and compassionate. Clients I've worked with have ranged broadly in age, ethnicity, and gender identity.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York with over fifteen years of experience working as a therapist and a coach. I support clients navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, OCD, parenting problems, career challenges, and life transitions.

I've worked with adolescents, couples, and families and I value creating a space where clients feel safe, understood and supported. I'm direct, yet compassionate, and I am not afraid to help you explore the "elephant in the room" so we can get to the root of what's keeping you stuck.

I have a passion for supporting individuals by encouraging changes, healing, and empowerment. I have had the wonderful opportunity to practice as a mental health therapist as well as share my expertise to deliver educational services in Palm Beach County for the last 8+ years. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from South University and I currently hold a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I am currently completing an EdD with an emphasis in Behavioral Health at Grand Canyon University.

I have experience working with children and families, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. I have experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, and co-occurring disorders. I have also worked with clients dealing with single parenthood, partner relational conflict, childhood and generational trauma, grief, and loss issues. I specialize in child-parent/family issues and domestic abuse (intimate partner violence).

I believe therapy is not about “fixing” you-It’s about empowering you. Together, we will work to uncover your strengths, clarify your goals, and build skills that support meaningful, lasting change. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you in this therapeutic process.

I look forward to connecting with you.

I believe therapy works best when there is a strong connection between therapist and client. My style is warm, genuine, and direct. I'll offer compassion and support, but I'll also help you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

As a trauma-informed therapist and EMDR specialist, I create a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly because I show up as a real person—not just a therapist.

I believe healing happens through both insight and action. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life.

Have you tried therapy without progress? Struggled for years with emotional instability, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, wounds, grief, feeling guilty/shameful, or easily triggered? These stem from unhealed experiences that have negatively impacted your life. No matter how many years have passed, time does not heal all wounds- it conceals them. Unresolved hurts in your heart build up over time and deeply affect what you believe about yourself and others. The therapeutic process requires examining your heart, transparency, openness, honesty, deep work, and will. If you commit to the process, you will see progress.

Hello, my name is Aracelys Cruz, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I completed my advanced training in psychiatric nursing at FNU/PMHNP-BC. I’m passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges and helping them feel heard, respected, and empowered. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, combining therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medication management when needed. My goal is to walk alongside you as we build a path toward balance and wellness.

I’m glad you’re here. Life can feel heavy sometimes, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

I work with adults of all genders who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, and major life changes. Maybe you’re constantly overthinking, having a hard time setting boundaries, carrying things from your past, or simply feeling stuck and ready for something to change.

Therapy with me is a space where you can show up as you are without judgment or pressure to have all the answers. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s holding you back, building confidence, developing healthier ways to cope, and helping you feel more like yourself again.

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and hopeful about what comes next.